A Message to our Local Community from MMRI and the Executive Director, Dr. Maria Kontaridis:

The scientists at the Masonic Medical Research Institute (MMRI) are focused on one primary objective: to improve the health and quality of life for all humankind. Our philosophy, to understand disease, find cures and treatments, and to educate rising scientists, has not changed in the 63 years of our history. We stand on the foundation of innovative science, building upon the early model of the MMRI—to advance the discovery of life-saving research through a state-of the-art facility we continue to build and grow right here in the heart of the Mohawk Valley. Through receipt of federal and state-funded grants, as well as the philanthropic generosity of our local community and the Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of the State of New York, we have brought world-renowned scientists and research to Central New York, helping to pave the way for future medical breakthroughs.

The modernization of our research center—a process that started in 2018 and is finally scheduled for completion in 2022—has transformed our Institute into a 21^st century interdisciplinary, translational research facility. Indeed, our researchers have expanded their studies to incorporate, along with cardiac research, understanding of the causes of diabetes and obesity, autoimmune disease, neurocognitive disease, and cancer. No longer is MMRI a niche institution—our research has local, national, and world-wide impact, and it mediates collaborations that span regionally in Utica to across the globe.

Beyond the national and even international influence of MMRI’s work, our impact on the greater Utica area has become even more pronounced these last few years. We have formed key partnerships with both the Mohawk Valley Health System and with Bassett Healthcare, to further advance health research and outcomes for those living in Central New York and beyond. Moreover, we have partnered with local colleges and universities, including Hamilton College, Utica College, the Mohawk Valley Community College, Syracuse University, SUNY Upstate Medical, and SUNY Poly, to further STEM based education to the young scholars of our region. We have also garnered support from regional foundations, including the American Heart Association, for research on understanding the potential link between congenital heart disease and autism, the Lupus and Allied Diseases Association (LADA), for lupus research, and the Kelberman Resource Center for Independent Living, ADHD & Autism Psychological Services and Advocacy PLLC, and Upstate Cerebral Palsy, to better understand the causal genes associated with onset of autism.

Indeed, our 63-year history encapsulates the tremendous achievements of our talented scientific team. MMRI is one of only a handful of institutes whose research has been so influential and essential to the study of experimental cardiology. None of this would be possible without the continued support of our community—and for this we say, “thank you.” As our impact worldwide continues to grow, along with our research portfolio, so will the importance of our work, thanks to you. The first 63 years at MMRI only set the stage for our next 63, years we are confident will yield extraordinary new discoveries that will bring life-saving benefits to us all here and to all humanity around the world.

For more information about us, please visit our website at mmri.edu or feel free to call our Development Office at: 315-624-7478